How to Make your Own Music Theory Dice

Music Theory dice are a great tool to have in your piano teacher arsenal! They can be used for a variety of activities within a lesson, including:

• Review music theory concepts
• Play music theory games
• Test your student’s knowledge on a specific concept
• Propose challenges for a student
• Compose

There are many pre-made options available on the market but I love the flexibility of a DIY set of music theory dice. I can cater them to a specific game and I can cover WAY more concepts (there may not always be pre-made dice available for what I would like to work on with my students).

I’m going to share two different dice you could try out: one is a reusable option and the other is a semi-permanent solution which can be used over over again (but can always be changed up if you’d like).

Reusable Music Theory Dice

The reusable option is a dry-erase die which can be easily used over and over again for whatever concept you with to work on with your students.

I especially like this particular dry-erase dice set because the whiteboard of the dice is lower and therefore protected by the colored elevated borders. This keeps what is written on the whiteboard from being rubbed off when the dice are rolled and also gives kids a good place to hold the dice so their fingers don’t erase the text.

They are also great for younger kids since they are bigger and easy for them to handle.

Semi-Permanent Music Theory Dice

This is an excellent option for things you would like to use over and over again. I use these blank dice and labels.

I just write (or print out) the concept I want to drill on the label, cut it down to size, and stick it to the blank die. You can use a single label to cover all the sides of a die… and still have a lot leftover to use later.

If I plan to use the die a lot, I also apply a layer of Mod Podge to protect the labels.

If I ever need to change out the concept, it’s just a matter of peeling the label off the die.

With the dice all ready to go, it’s game time!!

• The Die of Destiny
  Speaking of dice, the Die of Destiny is a fun lesson starter when a student walks into my studio without their usual bounce in their step. I’ve found that a little silliness and a dash of chance gets them in the mood to pull out their piano books and play music!
• Sky High Love
  Whose tower will remain standing in the end?!
  This adrenaline-inducing rhythm game is a great game to play with a homemade set of rhythm dice (just replace the rhythm sticks with dice!). AND it’s a great way to kick-off a lesson and get the energy up.

Let’s stay in touch, join the list!

As a “toucan” of our appreciation download a free set of note flashcards (link in our Welcome email)!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.